A season that started with
so much promise did not end
as expected for the 2018 East
Union Lancers.
Perhaps the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spiral to
a 3-7 finish began well before
opening kickoff.
Now in his ninth year as head
coach, Willie Herrera looks to
get the Lancers back on the
upward trajectory that began
with back-to-back postseason
appearances in 2016-17.
It all starts with stats not
seen on MaxPreps â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;honor
points.â&#x20AC;?
In his early years as coach,
Herrera implemented a system
that helped gauge his athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
commitment to the program,
the school and each other. For
them to be on the varsity squad,
they had to reach a minimum
amount of honor points that
are accumulated through community service.
He decided to do away with
it last year.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was the first year we
didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it,â&#x20AC;? Herrera said.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is just so much data
collection involved. I really
regret that.â&#x20AC;?
The Lancers lost four of its
first five games, and their heads.
East Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth of talent at
the skill positions proved to
be more curse than blessing
as players grew unhappy with
their lack of reps.
The turnaround, Herrera
said, has already begun.
And it starts with honor
points.
Herrera said the team put
in close to 300 hours of community service in less than two
weeks, volunteering their time
to local churches, the Boys &
Girls Club and Northgate Little
League, to name a few.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great measuring tool,â&#x20AC;?
Herrera said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It tells the story
of who works and who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
work. It lets us know who is
selfless and who puts their
teammates before themselves.â&#x20AC;?
It has translated onto the
practice field, where these
Lancers embrace the struggle,
the lessons and each other.
Whether it translates into victories on Fridays remains to
be seen, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re confident
it will.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the juniors coming up
with us seniors, it feels like
weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been playing together
forever,â&#x20AC;? returning quarterback
Eric Morales said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We respect
each other and have a good
time. There is no arguing and
no fighting â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all respect.
We practice as a team and we
play as a team, and hopefully
it shows on game day. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
wait for that.â&#x20AC;?
Morales may want a do-over
more than anyone. He suffered a rib injury over the summer and aggravated it in East
Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 39-19 zero-week loss
at Downey. The starting job
was in flux from there, as the
team turned to JoJo Espinosa
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the standout QB from the
previous season who moved
into more of a utility role as a
senior â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for certain matchups.
Morales did have his
moments. East Union nearly
upset perennial Sac-Joaquin
Section contender Oakdale in
the Valley Oak League opener
but fell short, 35-26. Morales

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

Cameron Torres and the rest of the linemen go to work on the sled.

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

TOP LEFT PHOTO: Josh Jimenez gets in position to tackle Shane Crawford. TOP RIGHT
PHOTO: Defensive linemen work on their pass rush moves under the watchful eye of head
coach Willie Herrera. BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: Eric Morales, East Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starting quarterback makes the catch, during a drill for defensive backs.

completed 20 of 33 passes for
235 yards, two touchdowns
and two interceptions.
He was even better the following week in a 39-27 homecoming win over Kimball,
throwing for a season-best
four touchdowns. That was the
highpoint of the Lancersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; season, as they dropped three of
their final four. Heartbreaking
losses to Bear Creek, Oakdale
and rival Sierra kept them from
the postseason.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a lot to prove,â&#x20AC;?
Morales said.
Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to do it with
many of their top players from
a year ago, such as leading
rusher Raylen Carter, leading
receiver Lorenzo Contreras
and leading tackler Alex Alexander.
East Union replenishes
much of the talent at the skill
positions with juniors who

SCHEDULE
9/23 vs. Downey
8/30 at Mtn. House
9/6 at Bear Creek
9/13 vs. Johansen
9/20 at Oakdale
9/27 at Kimball
10/4 vs. C. Catholic
10/18 vs. Sierra
10/25 vs. W. Ranch
11/1 at Manteca
are coming off a 6-3 season
at the JV level. Zelmar Vedder heads the receiving corps,
while Tyler Diaz, Jonathan
Castaneda, Anthony Corrales,
Lane Cefalu and Carlos Alvarez are competing for carries
out of the backfield along with
stout senior Shane Crawford.
The Lancers lack the bigplay threats of seasons past
but believe they can remain
productive out of their hybrid

factor in our game plan.â&#x20AC;?
Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the experienced linemen come in.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing beats hard work,â&#x20AC;?
All-VOL first-team guard Alex
Yang said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we have a lot
of guys who work hard in the
weight room and on the practice field.â&#x20AC;?
The stocky 5-foot-8, 185pound senior typifies the grit of
this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team. Also returning
are 6-3, 245-pound tackle/middle linebacker Josh Grabowski
and guard/defensive tackle
Joey Aguirre. Anthony Vargas
and David Alvarado are among
the top juniors in the trenches.
It may be the deepest crop of
linemen Herrera has had.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re definitely excited
about our whole offensive

line,â&#x20AC;? Herrera said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We legit
have 10 guys who can suit up
and start on Friday. It has made
the competition more fierce
in practice, because nobody is
guaranteed a spot. It has to be
earned every day.â&#x20AC;?
The Lancers expect to
be tested in all facets in the
first three weeks. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get
chances to avenge losses to
Downey and Bear Creek, while
reigning Western Athletic Conference tri-champion Mountain
House has been added to the
schedule.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know who we are
before we get to the VOL,â&#x20AC;?
Herrera said.

Learn how to Get and Keep a Job ...
New Classes
Career Preparedness
on
Workplace Communication
Technology

Thank you for your Votes!

ssjid.com

2271 W. Louise Avenue, Manteca Ca
209-858-7330

www.mantecausd.net/mantecaadultschool

Manteca

The Bulletin-Thursday, August 22, 2019

3

RETURN
TO
CHAMPIONSHIP
FORM
Led by 3-year starters, Buffs want to compete for another SJS title
By JONA MAR JAC I NTO
The Bu lletin

Manteca had a 2018 season that most would consider to be successful.
Not for these Buffaloes.
Eight wins, a runner-up
finish in the cutthroat Valley Oak League and second-round appearance in a
tough Sac-Joaquin Section
Division III bracket were
not what Jacob DeJesus had
in mind. He was one of a
handful of talented sophomores who started 2017 on
the varsity squad that went
12-3, claimed a sixth section
banner and qualified for a
second straight CIF State
NorCal Bowl Game.
The 2018 run was ended
by a 20-8 loss at Antelope,
where lost opportunities
and crucial mistakes ruined
Manteca’s chance at earning a third consecutive SJS
crown.
“That definitely struck us
in the heart,” DeJesus said.
“Our goals were way higher
than where we finished last
year. A lot of the seniors
regretted that and took it
really hard.
“Sometimes in life and
football things don’t go your
way, so you just train a little
bit harder. Can’t dwell on
it, we just have to get ready
and get better for the next
season.”
With a good mixture of
senior experience and promising juniors elevated from
the 10-0 JV team, Manteca
expects to do better in Mark
Varnum’s second year as
head coach.
The Buffs return All-VOL
first-team selections Trabron Russell (1,320 rushing
yards, 18 TDs) and outside
linebacker Garren Genilla
(58 tackles. 6.5 assists).
DeJesus is the VOL’s reigning Offensive Player of the
Year after amassing 843
receiving yards, 542 rushing
yards and 20 total touchdowns.
Like DeJesus, Russell is a
third-year starter.
“They’ve been there as
sophomores and took on
leadership roles last year
as juniors,” Varnum said.
“They want to get back to
the mountaintop. They’ve
worked harder than anybody
in the offseason and they
definitely want to show out
this year.”
Quarterback Ryan Ward
(1,907 yards, 22 TDs, 11
INTs), cornerback Isaac
Searcy (54 tackles, four
picks) and outside linebacker Marc Buenrostro
(5.5 sacks) are other seniors
of note. All three made the
all-league second team.
Varnum anticipates a big
season out of the strongarmed Ward, a pitcher who
has committed to Pacific’s
baseball team.
“He has matured a lot as
a football player,” Varnum
said. “He had a crazy summer between football and
baseball. After his last baseball tournament he started
back up with football and
was dialed in right away.”
Manteca did lose four AllVOL first-team selections in

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

ABOVE PHOTO: Aiden Nicholas turns up field on an inside-run play. BOTTOM PHOTO: Dy’lon
Valentine heads downfield after catching a short pass with Quincy Robinson trailing.

teca High is known for that
offensive line, and when it
comes together we have the
weapons to do some damage.”
One of those weapons
is junior Aiden Nicolas, a
DeJesus clone who produced 1,048 rushing yards
and 12 touchdowns for the
junior varsity Buffs last
year. He was also the team’s
leading receiver with 273
yards and five scores.
“Some say we look like
twins,” DeJesus said. “We
play similar positions and
have similar styles. A lot of
players from the JV last year
are great athletes and they
mesh together well with us.
They’ve experienced winning being 10-0 last year
after going 5-5 as freshmen.

I see them getting even better.”
Angel Garay, a 6-foot1, 215-pound fullback and
linebacker, is making a
comeback after not playing
as a junior. He was among
the sophomore sensations
pulled up to the varsity two
years ago.
“This guy is a beast,”
DeJesus said. “Not having
him last year was really
tough for us, but we’re all
looking forward to having
him back out there. He’s
going to be a huge part of
our defense this year.”
Two other senior additions looking to make an
immediate impact are Leonardo Bonilla and Quincy
Robinson, both transfers.
Bonilla gives Manteca

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Ryan Ward scans the field for receivers as head coach Mark Varnum looks on. MIDDLE PHOTO:
Outside linebacker Garren Genilla provides pressure off
the edge in 11-on-11 drills. BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: Joseph
Saylor works to shed the block while keeping his eyes on
the backfield.

added depth at fullback
and linebacker. He comes
from rival from East Union,
where he rushed for 419
yards and three touchdowns
in seven games last season.
Robinson is a two-year
varsity starter arriving from
San Jose. The wiry 5-10
receiver/cornerback played
a key role in Overfelt’s 9-3
campaign, collecting six
interceptions on defense
while leading the offense
with 27 catches, 583 yards
and four touchdowns.
“’Q’ showed up at the
end of the year and we are
glad that he did,” Varnum
said. “He is an absolute ball
hawk.”
Manteca kicks off the
season with Manteca Unified counterpart Lathrop

at home, but its next three
are on the road against stiff
competition. The Buffaloes
will look to avenge losses
to Downey and Granada,
and old-school rival Tracy
is sure to want payback after
suffering a surprising 54-18
defeat at Manteca.
Then the real fun begins,
as they return home to face
defending VOL champion
Central Catholic and head
to Oakdale two weeks after.
“We set our goals super
high,” Varnum said. “We
have a lot of experience, but
the big thing for us is we
have to be ready from the
get-go. We’re going to be
road warriors after Lathrop
and then see Central Catholic right after that, so we get
the gauntlet right away.”

“Running a football team is not different from running any other kind of organization - an
army, a political party, a business. The principles are the same, the object is to win - to
beat the other guy. Maybe that sounds hard or cruel. I don’t think it is. Winning is a habit.
Unfortunately so is losing. Remember, a student athlete is not a right - it’s a privilege. You
have the honor to represent your school, your community, your family and yourself.”

Best of Luck to All of You!
Phil Waterford
President/Owner
Manteca Ford &
Exotic High Line

555 N. Main St.
Manteca, CA 95336

209.239.3561

www.mantecaford.com

4

Sierra

The Bulletin-Thursday, August 22, 2019

FAMILY MATTERS TO T’WOLVES

United Sierra team looks to build on improvement from 2018
By JONA MAR JAC I NTO
The Bu lletin

The receivers and defensive backs jogged off the
practice field for a water
break on this torturous Tuesday afternoon.
It would have been understandable for them to head
straight for the water station
in the draining 105-degree
heat, but they instead
stopped to encourage the
linemen as they drudged
to the end of their tackling
drill.
Defensive coordinator
Mike James signaled the end
of the exercise, and the two
groups — eventually joined
by the linebackers and running backs — formed a
united pack as the Timberwolves hydrated together.
As family.
The word ‘family’ was
repeated in separate interviews from the Sierra camp,
where positive reinforcement is more prevalent than
friendly trash talk between
teammates.
“If we weren’t a family,
we wouldn’t be a team,”
second-year junior Kimoni
Stanley said. “Nobody plays
for themselves. We protect
each other and look out for
each other. We all play as
one.”
It has taken just two years
for Chris Johnson to create
this environment at Sierra.
After a one-year break from
coaching that followed a
12-year stint as head coach
at Ripon, his alma mater,
Johnson struggled to get the
Timberwolves — just two
years removed from their
unexpected run to a state
title — to play with discipline and cohesion.
An attitude adjustment
was in order, as was an
adjustment is schemes.
Johnson installed a tripleoption flexbone offense in
the offseason, and it took
half a season for things to
finally click for the Timberwolves in 2018. No team
from the area improved as
much from opening kickoff
to the end, as they ended up
5-6 following a near-upset
of Western Athletic Conference tri-champion Pacheco,
34-33, in the Sac-Joaquin
Section Division IV playoffs.
Whether it’s the successes
or failures that drive the individual athletes, they’re trotting into their 2019 opener
against visiting Modesto
Christian as a family.
“It really has become a
family atmosphere,” Johnson said. “The kids really
support each other and keep
things positive.”
There’s reason for Sierra
to have elevated expectations. Four of its five starting offensive linemen
return, and unlike last season it is an area of strength
and depth for the Timberwolves.
That’s good news for
Stanley who had a superb
sophomore season in which
he accumulated 1,375 rushing yards (8.9 per carry)
and 15 touchdowns and was
named to the All-Valley Oak

8/23 vs. Modesto Ch.
8/30 at C. Valley
9/6 at Pacheco
9/13 vs. Lathrop
9/20 vs. Kimball
9/27 at C. Catholic
10/11 at Oakdale
10/18 at East Union
10/25 vs. Manteca
11/1 vs. W. Ranch
League first team.
“We’re a lot more comfortable in this offense, and
the offensive line is the biggest part of our team,” Stanley said. “They’ve worked
hard over the summer knowing that it was an area we
needed to improve.”
Also returning in the
backfield are quarterback
Shane Johnson and versatile
slotback Matt Dunham, who
was beset by an ankle injury
last year. Converted receiver
Nyco Mendoza fills in at the
other slotback spot for the
graduated Nick Stanley.
Sierra may look to pass
more after making just 37
attempts all of last season.

These days, it’s common for
teams to average that many
throws per game.
“With Shane’s progression and the ability of some
of our guys to do different things, we’ll be a little
more diverse,” coach Johnson said. “We’re going to
continue to run the ball first
— we’re a true triple-option
team. We built our system
around our kids.”
The 4-3 defense boasts
much experience as well,
the problem is that most of
them also start on offense
and special teams. Shane
Johnson, the head coach’s
nephew, will play free safety
as Sierra looks to make use
of his vision and smarts on
both sides of scrimmage.
Stanley and Dunham are

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Running back Kimoni Stanley runs thorugh an arm tackle. TOP LEFT
PHOTO: Chris Johnson oversees practice as Sierra’s third-year head coach. BOTTOM LEFT
PHOTO: Quarterback Shane Johnson reads the defense on an option play. BOTTOM RIGHT
PHOTO: David Cumberworth, left, and Omar Maxwell go to work on the sled.

part of a formidable trio
of linebackers that includes
6-foot, 200-pound Holden
Fishburn, a CIF State Track
& Field Championships
qualifier in the shot put and
discus. Fishburn made the
all-league second team last
year as a defensive end, and
coach Johnson said he’s “the
fastest kid on the team.”
He’s plenty familiar with the
position having played middle linebacker at the lower
levels.
Sierra’s depth at the line
allows for Fishburn to make
the move. Josh Valdez, a
6-3, 185-pound first-year
senior, replaces Fishburn on
the defensive line, with Joaquin Alvarez is back at the

other end spot.
“The coaches said we
were wasting my speed on
the D-line and I completely
agreed with them,” Fishburn
said. “I can mix it up in there
with the bigger guys and do
well, but might as well utilize everyone to the best of
their ability. With Matt and
Kimoni being quick on their
feet, we should be able to
stuff up those gaps.”
Fishburn will still get
his chances to tangle in the
trenches as one of those
returning offensive linemen.
Senior Omar Maxwell is a
space eater on both sides
of scrimmage at 6-1, 280
pounds. Juniors David Cumberworth and Ayden Horn

gives the T’wolves additional size.
There is belief that if the
two-way standouts remain
healthy Sierra has the goods
to return to the postseason
and contend. The Timberwolves, though, are more
focused on winning the
opening kickoff.
“Our thing is to don’t look
too far ahead, just be 1-0,”
Johnson said. “We strive to
be the best versions of ourselves. We obviously feel
pretty good about being further ahead than we were at
this point last year, but right
now let’s just worry about
Modesto Christian. Everything else is so far out we’re
not even talking about.”

Ripon’s tight-knit group of
seniors is small in number but
not lacking in talent and expectations.
These Indians have never
endured a losing season going
back to their days on the Ripon
Chiefs youth program, and
they don’t plan on changing
that in their final year together.
They aspire to deliver a long
overdue championship-round
appearance in the Sac-Joaquin
Section playoffs.
“We’ve grown up together
and we’ve seen what we can do
as a group since Pop Warner,”
Nico Ilardi said. “It has always
been a successful group that
will win at all costs. It’s in our
blood.”
Ilardi and the Indians certainly have a tough act to follow, but it’s a challenge they
look forward to meeting. Ilardi
takes over at quarterback for
three-year standout and reigning All-TVL Outstanding
Offensive Player Ryan Daggett
(1,127 yards, 67 completion
percentage, 13 TDs) — also
Ripon’s leading rusher (743
yards, 11 TDs).
The Indians must also
replace their leading tackler Greg Clark, an all-league
selection at both linebacker and
offensive guard, hard-charging
running back Derric Roy and
another three-year starter in
multi-purpose threat Roland
Davis.
Ripon is coming off its best
season under fourth-year head
coach Chris Musseman, repeating as Trans-Valley League cochampion while finishing 10-2.
Musseman believes the team
can achieve much of the same,
if not more.
It was knocked out in the
SJS semifinals the past two
seasons by Bear River, one
stop short of reaching the title
round for the first time since
1996 when the Indians mauled
Mariposa 31-14 for the Division IV banner. Ripon lost all
of its previous four title games.
The key? Health.
Ripon started its first official
practices with only 18 juniors
and seniors combined. Junior
varsity players are being evaluated, and a handful of them,
including some sophomores,
are likely to join the big boys
for the Aug. 23 season opener
against Weston Ranch.
“If we can stay healthy,
we’re going to be pretty good,”
Musseman said. “Managing
their playing time and keeping
them focused on what’s going
on in practice is tough when
you only have 18 or 19 guys.”
Ripon was fortunate to navigate through the 2018 season with few injuries and had
enough depth — despite its
limited roster — to replace
starters with little drop-off in
quality.
“We were really deep in the
skill positions,” Musseman
said. “We don’t have that this
year.”
They expected to have more
depth in the trenches this season but won’t have that either
with two projected starters no
longer on the team. The best
of the bunch is back, in the
form of 6-foot-3, 225-pound
right tackle Caleb Delgado and

SCHEDULE
8/23 vs. W. Ranch
8/30 vs. Sonora
9/6 at C. Valley
9/13 at Calaveras
9/20 at Hilmar
9/27 at Riverbank
10/4 vs. Livingston
10/18 vs. Escalon
10/25 at Hughson
11/1 vs. Modesto Ch.
center Jeremiah Willey. They’ll
also have significant playing
time on defense.
Returning all-league outside linebacker Grant Wiebe
(103 tackles, 9.5 sacks), inside
linebacker Brandon Rainer (82
tackles, four forced fumbles),
defensive lineman Troy Brogan (50 tackles, 6.0 sacks) and
defensive back Danny Hernandez (four interceptions) return
for an experienced defensive
unit that surrendered 14.3
points per game and recorded
four shutouts. Sophomore
Caleb Johnston and junior
Mason Knight are expected to
contribute right away in the 3-3
front as linebackers.
“We lost a couple key pieces
but it’s most of the same guys
who are now bigger, faster
stronger and smarter,” Rainer
said. “It’s going to be a fun
defense to watch and be a part
of this year.”
He’ll likely have a more
expanded role in Ripon’s balanced Wing-T offense, as well.
Hernandez (640 total yards,
seven TDs) is a home-run
threat out of the backfield that
will include plenty of Rainer
and Wiebe.
At 6-3, 215 pounds, Bro-

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

TOP PHOTO: Brandon Rainer, from left, Grant Wiebe, Caleb
Delgado and Troy Brogan pursue the ball carrier in a fouron-four drill. BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO: Nico Ilardi winds up for
the pass as head coach Chris Musseman watches the play
develop. BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: Running back Danny Hernandez looks to break away from Adam Wood.

gan gives Ilardi a big target in
the passing game. Sure-handed
receiver Dorian Dougherty
also returns. He’s the team’s
only third-year player but was
limited by a shoulder injury
last year.
“We have a lot of weapons,”
Ilardi said. “A lot of these guys
probably didn’t get as many
looks as they should have last
year because we were so deep,
but we’re pretty well set on
offense.”
Added Rainer: “The coaches
will do what’s best for the
team. We all just want to win
as a team. When it comes to
things like personal stats, we’re
not worried about that.”
Playing time shouldn’t be
an issue for these short-handed
Indians. There will likely be
some who will gladly take a
breather.
Count Ilardi among them.
An All-TVL first-team selection at both defensive back and
punter, he’ll continue to fill
those roles even with the added
responsibility of leading the
offense. Oh, and he made honorable mention at receiver last
year, and Musseman hinted at
making use of his pass-catch-

ing abilities.
“We may do some interesting things with him,” Musseman said, “but he’s not
strictly a quarterback on our
team. He’s an all-league caliber DB, and because we’re so
thin I’m not too sure we can
not play him there.”

Playing most snaps is a
difficult task, Rainer said. It’s
as demanding mentally as it
is physically, requiring their
minds to stay sharp even as
their bodies wear down. But
he and his fellow seniors are
willing to grind through it to
reach their intended destina-

tion.
“Losing two years in a row
the way we did and against
the same team, we don’t want
it to end there again,” Rainer
said. “We want to get past the
semifinals and win that section championship.”

Ripon Christian’s goals for
2019 are simply stated by its
head coach:
uWin league.
uWin section.
uWin state.
Welcome to the Randy
Fasani Era 2.0.
“I would say the major difference when I started to now
in 2019 is our mental preparation going into games,” Fasani
said. “We don’t approach
games hoping to win, we
expect to win.”
It’s a refrain coined by predecessor and good friend Trey
Ozenbaugh, who now serves
as team chaplain after six years
as head coach. Last year, with
Fasani as his offensive coordinator and longtime assistant
Eddie Erdelatz commanding
the defense, Ozenbaugh led the
Knights to their first-ever 10-0
regular-season finish.
They ended up 12-1 — one
win shy of checking off two
of their goals. Trans-Valley
League powerhouse Hilmar
rolled past Ripon Christian
57-14 in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI title game and
claimed a CIF state championship two weeks later.
Ripon Christian is now 0-3
in section finals. Fasani guided
the Knights to their first SJS
final in 2013.
That was Fasani’s only season as head coach in his first
go-around — he shared the
position with John Vander
Schaaf the previous year. He’s
back at the table but with a
larger appetite to satiate.
“We’ve played in quite a few
section championship games in
the past few years and I’m tired
of losing them,” Fasani said.
There’s no denying that
Ripon Christian belongs in the
top tier of small schools in the
section. The Knights handed
eventual SJS and CIF Division
VII champion Denair its only
loss of the season, and handled
SJS top seed Modesto Christian 25-12 in the SJS Division
VI semifinals.
They soundly defeated the
reigning TVL champion Crusaders but were then punished
by Hilmar a week later. As
far as the program has come,
Ripon Christian still has something to prove.
“It obviously hurts a lot,”

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Head coach Randy Fasani works with the offense. TOP LEFT PHOTO:
Returning quarterback Nolan Lingley heaves it downfield. BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO: Caleb
Terpsma tries to regain control of the ball on a deep pass play. RIGHT MIDDLE PHOTO: Erik
Weststeyn, right, battles with fellow lineman Jason Vander Weide.

returning lineman Garrett
Bryan said. “It was a devastating end to an almost-perfect
season. Everyone has been
fueled by that loss to Hilmar.”
The All-SL Co-Defensive
Lineman of the Year is one of
three third-year starters leading
the quest for a third straight section title game. Sean McGovern and Wyatt Van Vliet round
out the triumvirate, and joining
the experienced senior class
are juniors from the undefeated
JV squad.
“We have a lot of returning seniors and some talented
juniors coming up,” McGovern said. “I think we have the
potential to be as good if not
better. We were pretty successful last year so we’ll have a big
target on our back, but we’re
ready for it.”
There are some big shoes to
fill, namely those left behind
by two-way lineman Drew
Van Vliet and running back
Michael Kamps (2,088 total
yards, 36 touchdowns) — the
Southern League MVP and
Co-Offensive Player of the
Year, respectively.
McGovern, a two-time allleague first team defensive
back, moves from receiver to
replace Kamps in the backfield, which gives the most athletic player on the team more
opportunities to make plays.
He led RC with 32 catches

for 560 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Ian Vrieling
(28-348-4) steps in as the new
No. 1 receiver.
Despite its small roster,
Ripon Christian has depth at all
positions. It all starts with the
offensive line that returns five
starters — center Erik Weststeyn was the starting center
to begin 2018 but suffered an
injury.
Junior Joel Hiemstra and
Modesto Christian transfer
Seth Gallo are expected to be
immediate contributors. With
experience at both offensive
guard spots, the 6-foot-2, 260pound Bryan is the Knights’
top all-around lineman.
“I really think the strength of
our team is with our offensive
and defensive lines, and that’s
a coach’s dream,” Fasani said.
Quarterbacks Nolan Lingley and Jacob Van Groningen
remain under the tutelage of
Fasani, who played the position at Stanford and the NFL.
Last season, Lingley split
time with Cade Alger before
going down with a season-ending shoulder injury. Van Groningen played sparingly behind
center but made the most of his
few opportunities, especially
on a heroic game-winning
drive against then-defending
Southern League champion
Orestimba.
Lingley is the more explo-

sive athlete with the ability to
make plays on the run, while
the 6-4 Van Groningen can
burn defenses with a strong
and accurate arm. The latter
will also see time at tight end.
“We’ll definitely utilize both
of them in the huddle at the
same time,” Fasani said. “I’m
not afraid to call trick plays,
and I know that both of them
will throw touchdown passes
this season.”
The defense, which Bryan

describes as “terrifying” and
“relentless,” brings back eight
starters from a unit that surrendered 9.8 points per game
and had four shutouts in a fivegame stretch.
Van Vliet (113 tackles)
returns at middle linebacker
along with Declan Van Vuren
(78 tackles, 12.5 sacks) on the
outside. Jadon Booth and Will
Gilbert come up from the JV
ranks to fill roles at outside
linebacker and cornerback.

The Knights believe the
pieces are in place for another
historic season, and it’s an
opportunity the seniors don’t
want to take for granted.
“I’ve seen two great senior
classes leave, and for me there
was that feeling that I have
another year,” Bryan said.
“Now that moment is here for
me. I saw what it means to
them, and I’m going to let that
sit with me all season.”

LATHROP — Davis RayaRuiz is one of many new
faces on the Lathrop football
team, but he’s not necessarily
a stranger around these parts.
“I’m back home,” the
senior transfer from Edison
said.
After spending the past
three seasons helping the
Vikings of Stockton return to
prominence, Raya-Ruiz has
moved back to the city where
he grew up and reunited with
former teammates from the
Jr. Spartans youth team.
“I feel like I’m back in my
hometown where I started,”
he said. “I grew up with
everybody here.
“I bring a lot of knowledge
from prior experiences with
other coaches and camps I
attended. I like being here,
it’s a great learning environment. I want to help the team
(develop) a winning mentality. I’m not out here to just
have fun, I’m out here to win
as well as have fun.”
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound
gunslinger may be just what
the Spartans need going into
their second year with the
spread system in place. He
busted out as a sophomore
for Edison’s varsity squad
two seasons ago, completing
59 percent of his passes for
2,548 yards, 28 touchdowns
and five interceptions. The
Vikings went 6-5.

SCHEDULE
8/23 at Manteca
8/30 vs. Kimball
9/13 at Sierra
9/20 at Ceres
9/27 at Pacheco
10/4 vs. Beyer
10/11 vs. G. Davis
10/18 at Johansen
10/25 vs. Los Banos
11/1 vs. Mtn. House
Raya-Ruiz’s junior campaign was derailed by an
injury and he was relegated
to a back-up role as Edison
soared to a 9-3 finish. Fifthyear head coach Joe Pirillo
likes what he sees of him at
full strength. He’s impressed
by Raya-Ruiz’s “blue-collar
work ethic” and leadership as
much as his skill set.
“He’s got a little bit of size
and kind of built like a linebacker, but he’s got a cannon,”
Pirillo said. “He can really
throw the ball around, he’s
just working on his reads right
now.”
With nearly as many sophomores (10) as seniors (11) on
the roster, the Spartans need
all the experience they can get
as they enter year No. 2 in the
Western Athletic Conference.
They began 2018 with three
consecutive losses to familiar Valley Oak League foes
Manteca, Kimball and Sierra
— their same three opponents
to begin this season.
Lathrop went 3-4 in conference play, losing decisively

COACHES
uHead coach: Randy
Fasani (2nd year, 10-3)
uStaff: Eddie Erdelatz
(DC, LB), Bill Kamos
(OL, ST), Pat McGovern
(DB), Steven Anastasio
(DL), Josh Van Groningen (WR), Oliver Pryor
(strength and conditioning), Junior Kowes (team
manager), Jeff Grondz
(college recruiting coordinator).
to the tri-champions — Los
Banos, Mountain House,
Pacheco — and fourth-place
Grace Davis.
“We learned that the team
that was the most disciplined
was going to be the team that
was going to come out on top,”
Pirillo said. “There’s talent all
over the league, but the lack
of discipline is what ended it
for everybody in their losses
especially for us. We made
mistakes that were costly. The
WAC is a very disciplined
league. If you want to win,
you have to be disciplined.”
As young as Lathrop is, a
handful of sophomores gained
valuable experience as varsity
competitors last year. Isaac
Ramos (816 yards, 9.2 per
carry, 9 TDs) showed flashes
of what’s to come, especially
in the 27-26 loss in which he
blew up for 181 yards and
two touchdowns — all in the
second half.
Pirillo said the 5-5,
155-pounder will get the lion’s

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

Davis Raya-Ruiz tries to evade pressure while seeking out an open receiver.

share of touches and will still
be featured heavily in the
offense despite the addition of
Raya-Ruiz.
“He’s an electric kid,”
Pirillo said of Ramos. “Any
time he gets the ball it can end
up in the end one. He’s a track
athlete who has gotten faster
and he’s put on some weight.
He’s really going to just focus
on offense, we don’t want to
try to do anything else with
him. We want him fresh and
ready to run the ball.”
Junior Joey Sanchis and
sophomore Jason Seabron Jr.

will be two of the main targets in the passing game. The
Spartans lost leading receiver
Maurice Saulsbury II, an AllWAC first-team cornerback,
to graduation.
Lathrop lacks depth, size
and experience on the lines
but bring back junior left
tackle/defensive end Kevin
Ballesteros Paz. Sophomore
Jeremy Buck gives the Spartans some needed girth at 6-2,
230 pounds.
“We are a smaller team, so
we’ll just have to keep pushing and pushing and lay down

the hammer,” Ballesteros Paz
said.
Strong safety Johnny Lewis
is another junior with varsity
experience. The 4-2 nickel
defense is also led by senior
linebacker Jordan Denning,
who looks forward to another
go-around in the WAC.
“We are very energized,” he
said. “Defensively, we like to
run around and hit. Last year
was kind of a letdown, so
everyone is motivated to step
up and dominate. I feel like we
are more prepared for league
this year.”

Weston Ranch is starting
over.
Again.
This time, things are a little
different at the South Stockton school.
Sal Reyes is the seventh
head coach for the Cougars
football program and third in
a year but is a familiar face on
campus as its JROTC instructor. The revamped coaching
staff features some of the old
and some of the new, and
Reyes considers recentlyhired principal Troy Fast and
athletic director Brett Lewis
— both of whom arrive from
tradition-rich district rival
Manteca High — as an essential extension of the staff.
“The energy is very high
and there is a sense of newness on campus, not just for
the staff but for the players,
too,” Reyes said.
The most noticeable difference will be the refurbished
football stadium adorned by
an all-weather track and new
infield grass. Weston Ranch
will showcase the upgrades,
as well as new jerseys, on
on its home opener Sept. 6
against Franklin.
“I’m excited,” senior quarterback/cornerback Atlantis
Gholston said. “I’ve been
dreaming about that moment,

SCHEDULE
8/23 at Ripon
9/6 vs. Franklin
9/13 vs. Buhach Col.
9/27 vs. Oakdale
10/4 at Kimball
10/11 vs. C. Catholic
10/18 vs. Manteca
10/25 at East Union
11/1 at Sierra
walking through the tunnel
for our first home game in
new uniforms. It’s my senior
year and it’s as if everything
has been put in line perfectly.
I’m going to go out and give
it my all.”
The Cougars are ready to
put a tumultuous 2018 season behind them. Then firstyear coach Kevin Breaker
was fired after just three
games, and the team’s Week
2 win at Franklin was forfeited for using an ineligible
player. Additionally, work
was expected to begin on the
stadium at the start of the
season but got postponed. As
a result, the Cougars did not
host a game until the seventh
week for homecoming. They
finished 0-10.
In 16 years, Weston Ranch
has had just one winning season — the Cougars were part
of a three-way share of the
Valley Oak League title in
2005 — and two .500 finishes. Reyes isn’t promising overnight success but is

COACHES
uHead coach: Sal Reyes
(first year)
uStaff: Sam Sears
(OC), Aaron Edwards
(DC), John Nomura (LB),
Nate Waltz (OL), Benny
Buardiola (strength and
conditioning), Mario
Grey (QB), Mike Hale (JV
HC), Marcelo Zamarripa
(JV OC), Courtney Smith,
Sr. (JV assistant), Crispin
Gonzalez (JV DC).
encouraged by the foundation
set by his current group of
players, coaching staff and
administration.
“I’ve had some good talks
with Mr. Fast and Mr. Lewis,
and we just want to move on
from last year and not make
the same mistakes,” Reyes
said. “I’m not taking anything
from any of our (previous)
coaches, they’ve all done a
great job and I believe every
coach brings something different to a program. Hopefully my leadership style and
the rest of our coaches can
have a positive impact.”
Michael Hale, varsity head
coach from 2008-12, has
returned to the program and
will lead the JV. Joining him
as JV offensive coordinator
is Marcelo Zamarippa, who
took over in the interim last
season after Breaker’s dismissal. Both are on-campus

teachers.
Senior tackle/linebacker
Isiah Maxie appreciates the
enthusiasm that the coaches,
both new and old, bring to
practices.
“Going through a coaching change in the middle of
the season was tough, but
we learned to keep pushing
and fighting through adversity,” Maxie said. “Everyone in league doubted us.
The score didn’t define who
we are. Every game Weston
Ranch played their heart
out, things just didn’t fall
our way.
“It’s definitely a fresh
start now, a whole new environment. I’m really excited
to seeing how the season
plays out and to step out
onto the new field.”
Ethan Taylor, Gholston
and Maxie are the only players who are going into their
fourth season with the program. The rest either come
up from a promising JV
group that went 6-4 last year
or are first-yer players.
Gholston returns to the
quarterback position after
being moved to receiver
early last season in favor of
Amier Bowen, the school’s
single-season record holder
for passing yards. The Cougars are shifting to a veer
offense but will occasionally go to the previously-

JONAMAR JACINTO/The Bulletin

First-year head coach Sal Reyes gets his players lined up on
defense as the team prepares for 11-on-11 drills.

used spread system to take
advantage of their speed.
“I feel like we can outrun
anybody,” Gholston said. “If
we can get our timing and
blocking assignments down,
we can be pretty good.”
Reyes likes the potential
of the running game. While
Gholston is threat to make
plays outside the pocket,
he can also hand it off to
the speed-power combo of
5-foot-3 scatback Aaron
Vickers and Marcel Phillips — both first-year players. Junior Jose Sanchez and
Phillips book end Maxie at

linebacker to help fortify the
3-3-5 defense.
Overall, Reyes is pleased
with the progress of the program and the excitement it
can bring to the campus.
“We look forward to
bringing that positive
energy back to our program
and to represent the Weston
Ranch community the best
we can,” Reyes said. “We
want to bring out the parents, families and friends
on Friday nights to cheer on
these young players.”